Expert: Brad Swain - 2/16/2010

Question
I have several different one dollar bills that have a star at the end of the serial number. I was wondering if you could tell me if they are worth anything. They all are in good condition. Mostly still crisp. I also have two that the serial number are in sequence. All of the one dollar bill star notes are either from 2006 or 2003. I also have a two dollar bill star note from 1976 that is in fair condition. Can you tell me if they are worth anything?

Answer
Hi Ben, Collector value of a note depends on date, series letter or signature and condition, including amount of wear, any folds, tears or stains as well as collector demand. There have been so many made of these that only the uncirculated ones (no wear) have any significant value above face value.
Star note definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_note
When notes are discovered that have been printed incorrectly (such as having the serial numbers upside down, etc.) these misprinted notes (error notes) are replaced with star notes because no two bills can be produced with the same serial number.
Star notes may have some extra value compared to regular notes depending on amount of wear and collector demand.
U.S. small size paper money values can be found here:
http://coinsite.com/html/uspapermoneyprices(sm).asp
and
http://www.bestcoin.com/U-S-Currency-FAQ-Values.htm
Brad